Chopta , an emerging hill station , situated at 2680 mts / 9000 ft above sea level , in the Rudraprayag district of Uttrakhand state between Ookhimath & Chamoli , is accessible by road round the year . The best time to visit would be from May to November .Chopta is an off beat hill station , a picturesque hamlet , with enchanting views of the Himalayas . It is famous for himalayans peaks , trekking and excursion point to Tunghnath , Chandrashila , Deoriyatal . It is the most beautiful , exotic & scenic place in the entire Uttrakhand .

Chopta , simply irresistible

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Chopta is rich in varied flora and fauna . It is situated amidst thick forest of pine , deodar and rhododendrons , which are found in abundance here. It provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and surrounding areas . It is famous for alpine forest landscapes, beautiful himalayan meadows / bugyals with lush green landscapes and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains . It is a place with unsurpassed and unspoiled natural beauty . It is a heaven for trekking enthusiasts . Chopta and Chandrashila offer a majestic view of the snow clad Himalayas . All major peaks including Nanda Devi , Chaukhamba and Trishul can be seen on a clear day from Chandrashila .

Chopta , valley view from Chopta main road

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Accessibility :- Rishikesh is the nearest railway station . Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun around 226 Kms . It is 37 km from Gopeshwar , 234 km from Rishikesh , 450 km (approx) from Delhi . Accessible by road , throughout the year .

Weather :- Summers - pleasant during day time , cold at night . Winters - snow 5 months in a year (Nov to March) , chilling even during day time

Tungnath temple :- The Tungnath temple , the highest Hindu shrine in the Himalayas , 3680 mtrs / 12,070 feet atop the Chandranath parvat , is dedicated to lord Shiva , considered to be more than 1000 years old. Tungnath is the 3rd Kedar among the Panch Kedars . The entire journey and the shrine are located in some of the finest , most picturesque pocket of the Himalaya . The 3.5 km trekking route to Tungnath temple (3500mts) through dense alpine forest gives a breathtaking view of natures' beauty at her best . It is a heaven for the trekkers with exotic natural beauty along the trek route which has to be seen to be believed . The trek is easy, and can be done by people of average fitness levels . Tunganath has a cool climate all through the seasons , though the temple is only open from April to October. Another 1.5 kms of steep ascend will take you to Chandrashila .

Chandrashila :- Chandrashila trek is one of the popular trek that can be undertaken round the year , in Garhwal Himalayas except during heavy snowing months of December & January . It is 1.5 kms from Tungnath & 5 kms from Chopta . The Chandrashila summit , 4,000mts , offers the most beautiful view of the Nandadevi , Trishul , Kedar Peak and Chaukhamba peaks . If the sky is clear you get the feeling that you are sitting in a sea of mountains . The oak forest through which you trek to the summit abounds in wild life,forests of Rhododendron and some amazing terrain of mesmerizing alpine meadows . The views from the Chandrashilla top will stay in one's memory for really long.

Deoriyatal :- Deoriyatal , at an elevation of 2438mts above sea level , can be reached by an easy trek of 2 km from Sari village located on Ukhimath – Gopeshwar road , around 12 kms from Chopta . Deoriatal Lake has captivating surroundings with forest all around . The mighty Chaukhamba Peak & Neelkanth peaks are reflected in the pristine waters of this lake . The reflections of Chaukhamba peaks on the crystal clear water of Deoriyatal creates a magical world . Basic accommodation & tenting place is available near the lake .

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary :- It is situated 7km from Chopta on Chopta – Gopeshwar Road and covers an area of 5 sqm . It is famous for breeding musk deer's . It is an ideal place for tourists who loves animals and are looking for rare Himalayan wildlife . This place is also popular for its dense forests and aromatic flowers .

Ukhimath :- Ukhimath , situated at 1317 mts , is around 25 kms from Chopta . It is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath . Worship is performed at the Omkareshwar Temple , an archeological marvel , during winters . It offers splendid view of Himalayas .

Gopeshwar :- It is at 1308 mts , 37kms from Chopta ,via Mandal . A picturesque place , Gopinath temple is very famous . A small , beautiful & bustling town , with all the amenities , it's natural beauty is enhanced by its wonderful weather . After 2-3 days of trekking in & around Chopta , you can relax , go to the market and can have almost everything .

Mandal :- Mandal , 16km from Chopta , beautiful valley as you descend from Chopta . Anasooya Ashram - Atrimuni Cave are the places to see in & around Mandal . No decent place to stay at .

Syalsaur :- Calm & soothing Mandakini flowing by its side . It is a very picturesque place with beautiful surroundings , majestic views of Himalayas , calm and unpolluted environment. Syalsaur , is located at the banks of river Mandakini , at 835 mts . The G.M.V.N. resort is beautiful , its bamboo huts are just superb , with all the basic amenities like electricity , cable tv , mobile network coverage ( only GSM , no CDMA network ) , hot water , a good restaurant , with food made to order , courteous staff & a very big and beautiful lawn . All the bamboo huts are well furnished & well maintained . Huts numbered 1 & 2 ( usually reserved for vip's , but if vacant , given to anyone on some persuasion ) are at the best location in the entire resort with a grand view of Mandakini & Himalayas . After a day long trip to Chopta , Tungnath etc a simple cup of tea with veg pakoras , in the evening , while sitting in the lawn at G.M.V.N . resort , with Mandakini flowing by at your side , the cool breeze , the sound of water flowing & caressing the rocks will make you forget the fatigue and you will feel like in heaven . It is highly recommended to take dinner & morning tea in the lawn ( except in the rainy season ).

My humble request :- Do not pollute Himalayas by throwing empty plastic or glass bottles , wafers & biscuit packs , etc while traveling . Collect them in your vehicle & deposit them at the hotel dustbins or at other places which are designated for waste .

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